Elite British athletes have received a boost in their preparation for the London 2012 Olympics with the launch of upgraded training facilities at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

Archers, gymnasts and hockey players will be able to take advantage of the new-look training centre, which has benefited from £3.5m from Sport England and will also be available for community use. Facilities at the complex include an indoor shooting range with video analysis area; fixed high-speed cameras; and access for Paralympic archers, as well as a realigned outdoor range.

Work also included the provision of new equipment in the gymnastics hall; the creation of two new artificial hockey pitches; and an improved strength and conditioning facility. Meanwhile, five squash courts have been upgraded and brought up to the latest England Squash and Racketball standards.

Hugh Robertson, minister for sport and the Olympics, said: "The new facilities at Lilleshall will help our archers, hockey players and gymnasts have the best possible preparation in the run up to 2012. "There is a fine line between getting on the podium and missing out on a medal, and these facilities, that will mirror that used at the Games, will give British athletes an advantage."

Sport England property director Charles Johnston added: "The legacy of this work will be greater 2012 performances, better-prepared future athletes and well-used, world-class community sport facilities for everyone." Image: Sport minister Hugh Robertson (right) with budding gymnasts